The gift of well-being!

Merry Christmas!

To be real, I’m not a holiday person. I can respect and share in your nostalgia, but I don’t agree with the materialistic and over consuming traditions we as a culture have created. I’m not religious…I simply believe in being a good human and having an honest relationship with yourself and your environment. This said, I’m not big on gifts but I am big on preventative natural wellness. There are some great tools that can offer a big impact on one’s overall well-being and I believe these to be gifts worth giving. This year for Christmas my family members and loved ones all received the same present…

A copper tongue scraper, a dry brush, a gallon of water, and Full Spectrum Organic CBD oil of course…

Why?

Here are some articles I found from sources I trust on the benefits of each.

Benefits of Using a Tongue Scraper

The tongue scraper (or tongue cleaner) dates back to ancient times in India, but its benefits—especially the promotion of fresh breath and oral hygiene—have recently gained a lot of attention in the West. Using a tongue scraper stands to reward anyone willing to give it a try, and it is worth understanding the advantages a tongue scraper has to offer your overall health and well-being.

Clears toxins & bacteria from the tongue
Helps remove coating on the tongue that leads to bad breath

Helps eliminate undigested food particles from the tongue

Enhances the sense of taste

Promotes overall oral & digestive health

Gently stimulates the internal organs

Increases your awareness of your state of health

For Oral Hygiene and Fresh Breath

Oral hygiene and fresh breath are understandably very high on the priority list for many people. Halitosis (or bad breath) is in fact a condition that can have a tremendously negative impact on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. And while bad breath is a very real problem for many, millions of others suffer from a crippling fear of having bad breath, even when they don’t.2

In some cases, bad breath is the result of some sort of periodontal problem and it is therefore a good idea to see your physician or dentist if you have recently developed halitosis. Current research indicates that most cases of halitosis (85-90% of them) are a result of the metabolic outputs of naturally occurring bacteria inside the mouth, typically occupying the very back of the tongue.2 This region of the tongue provides a particularly hospitable environment for many anaerobic bacteria because it is relatively undisturbed by normal activity in the mouth, it is drier than other parts of the mouth, it tends to be poorly cleansed, and it often harbors a number of substances on which the bacteria feed—tiny remnants of food, dead epithelial cells, and postnasal drip, to name a few. These same bacteria have been implemented as players in periodontal problems, accumulation of plaque, tooth decay, gum ailments, and there is mounting evidence that these bacteria are also linked to several systemic pathologies.1

So let’s kill the bacteria, right? Well, not so fast. These bacteria are a necessary part of our natural flora and, when in balance, they actually help to protect against other potential issues.2 But, it’s true that good oral hygiene can help keep bacteria in check so that they can serve their purpose without wreaking havoc. Many people brush their tongues with toothbrushes and believe this to be sufficient, but a toothbrush is designed to clean the solid, unmoving structure of the teeth, not the spongy, flexible surface of the tongue. Using a tongue scraper to scrape the tongue gently dislodges bacteria as well as their food source and is therefore one of the most effective means of combating tongue bacteria. Clinical studies have shown that the daily use of a tongue scraper results in a significant reduction in the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and other problems.1, 3, 4

For Improving Digestion, Taste, and the Health of Internal Organs

Amazingly, the benefits of using a tongue scraper reach far beyond the bounds of oral hygiene and fresh breath. In Ayurveda, proper digestion is the cornerstone of health; it is literally the process by which our daily intake of food nourishes our tissues and ultimately, our state of consciousness. Healthy digestion also protects the body against the accumulation of toxins and ensures the proper elimination of wastes.5 Cleansing the tongue enhances the sense of taste, and because digestion begins with taste, this alone supports the entire digestive process. Additionally, different parts of the tongue are related to the lungs, the heart, the stomach, the liver, the spleen, the kidneys, and the intestines. A coating on the tongue indicates the presence of toxins, which are an impediment to proper digestion. A tongue scraper gently removes these toxins from the tongue itself and simultaneously stimulates, massages, and cleanses the associated organs and deep tissues.6

For Gauging Your Overall Health

Many systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, use tongue diagnosis as a window into the internal workings of the body. Because the tongue reflects the health of so many vital organs, systemic imbalances (and improvements) are reflected on the surface of the tongue. Using a tongue scraper daily allows you to take note of any significant changes that may indicate variations in your own internal state of balance.

How Do I Know If I Have Toxins?

Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins from our food, beverages, and the environment; even unresolved emotions can lead to toxicity. When toxins are not properly digested and eliminated, they stagnate in the body and begin to compromise our wellbeing. Signs that toxins have begun to accumulate in the body:6

A coating on the tongue

Foul-smelling breath or body odor

Mental fog or confusion

Overall sense of stagnation or weakness

Generalized body aches

Diminished appetite

Constipation

Diarrhea

Bloating

Fatigue or lethargy

If you identify with one or more of the above, chances are that there is some level of toxic residue in your system. The good news is that Ayurveda offers a myriad of tools for cleansing your system of these toxins. A tongue scraper is a fabulous way to start.

Including a Tongue Scraper in Your Daily Routine

Having a daily routine is one of the most important tenants of Ayurveda. As the body becomes accustomed to the predictability of doing the same things at roughly the same time every day, the nervous system begins to relax. A morning routine, in particular, affords us an opportunity to prioritize those things that are most important while setting a positive tone for the entire day.7 A typical Ayurvedic morning routine would include meditation, grooming practices (including the use of a tongue scraper), exercise, and bathing. Adding the use of a tongue scraper to your daily routine assists the body in eliminating toxins that have accumulated in the mouth overnight, massages and awakens the internal organs, stimulates the digestive capacity and ensures that you start your day feeling as fresh and clean as possible.

How to Use A Tongue Scraper

Ideally, a tongue scraper is used every day, early in the morning, on an empty stomach. Simply hold the two ends of the tongue scraper in both hands. Extend the tongue and place the tongue scraper on the surface of the tongue, as far back as is comfortable. Gently pull the tongue scraper forward so that it removes the unwanted coating. Rinse the tongue scraper and repeat as necessary, usually 7-14 times.8 For some, the use of a tongue scraper can trigger the gag reflex or, on occasion, vomiting. Using a tongue scraper gets easier with practice, but this uncomfortable side effect is easily avoided by relaxing the tongue or exhaling during use. It is also possible to be overly aggressive with a tongue scraper and to temporarily damage the taste buds.1Gentle strokes will remove the coating on the tongue without harming the underlying tissue.

Healthy skin needs to breathe. Rid it regularly of dry skin cells and the body will react by producing new skin cells more rapidly. Your skin will immediately feel silkier and on the long term, will look healthier, loosing that dry, pasty appearance. –The Epicurean Table

Your body has a series of lymphatic vessels responsible for draining fluid (called lymph) from your tissues, then emptying them back into the bloodstream. It actually acts as a second circulatory system, which is responsible for transporting infection-fighting cells, removing foreign matter and cleaning up cell debris.

A dry brushing benefit is encouraging blood circulation and cell regeneration. Both of these actions promote internal detoxification which can aid in weight loss, cellulite reduction and the elimination of accumulated toxins.

Brushing your skin when it’s dry is the most important part. I’d always been scrubbing my skin in the shower with those scratchy, exfoliation gloves. This may be getting your skin clean but it just doesn’t have the same effect as brushing when your skin is dry. In fact, even after just three minutes of dry brushing, your skin will feel soft and as if it’s come alive. You’ll be hooked!

DRY BRUSHING BENEFITS:

Accelerates toxin elimination

Stimulates blood flow and circulation

Aids in digestion

Reduces cellulite

Unplugs pores

Enhances lymphatic flow

Exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells

Anti-aging through cell regeneration

Polishes skin

Stimulating both the sweat and sebaceous glands

HOW TO DRY BRUSH THE SKIN:

Brush your body before you shower or bathe, preferably in the morning. Use a skin brush, loofah or dry face cloth.

Water: How much should you drink every day?

How much water should you drink each day? It’s a simple question with no easy answer.

Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years. But your individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

No single formula fits everyone. But knowing more about your body’s need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

Health benefits of water

Water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive.

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

Gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements

Keeps your temperature normal

Lubricates and cushions joints

Protects sensitive tissues

Lack of water can lead to dehydration — a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?

You’ve probably heard the advice, “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” That’s easy to remember, and it’s a reasonable goal.

Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than eight glasses a day might be enough. But other people might need more.

Factors that influence water needs

You might need to modify your total fluid intake based on several factors:

Exercise. If you do any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It’s important to drink water before, during and after a workout. If exercise is intense and lasts more than an hour, a sports drink can replace minerals in your blood (electrolytes) lost through sweat.

Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional fluid intake. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.

Overall health. Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor’s recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.

Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. The Office on Women’s Health recommends that pregnant women drink about 10 cups (2.4 liters) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume about 13 cups (3.1 liters) of fluids a day.

Beyond the tap: Other sources of water

You don’t need to rely only on what you drink to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100 percent water by weight.

In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks — such as coffee and soda — can contribute to your daily water intake. But water is your best bet because it’s calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.

Sports drinks should be used only when you’re exercising intensely for more than an hour. These drinks help replace electrolytes lost through perspiration and sugar needed for energy during longer bouts of exercise.

Energy drinks are different from sports drinks. Energy drinks generally aren’t formulated to replace electrolytes. Energy drinks also usually contain large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants, sugar, and other additives.

Staying safely hydrated

Your fluid intake is probably adequate if:

You rarely feel thirsty

Your urine is colorless or light yellow

A doctor or registered dietitian can help you determine the amount of water that’s right for you every day.

To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It’s also a good idea to:

Drink a glass of water or other calorie-free or low-calorie beverage with each meal and between each meal.

Drink water before, during and after exercise.

Drink water if you’re feeling hungry. Thirst is often confused with hunger.

Although uncommon, it’s possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys can’t excrete the excess water, the sodium content of your blood is diluted (hyponatremia) — which can be life-threatening.

Athletes — especially if they participate in long or intense workouts or endurance events — are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who eat an average American diet.

And with all of that said, Merry merry Christmas to you all! I hope your holiday has been filled with all of the best things life has to offer. Wishing every human on earth all the health, happiness, and humor one can handle in 2019.

Farming for CBD Those of you following my blog know that I have had a couple different opportunities to get myself in the healing hemp game. After investigating all of my options, I have opted for wha

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